Saturday Naturalist Series with Sumo

Join our Professional Naturalist Guide for a Kayak Ecotour in GTM NERR

Have a favorite topic or area of interest within our coastal ecosystem? Then join our Professional Naturalist Guide for a Kayak Ecotour in the “living laboratory” that is the GTM NERR, (Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve). On select Saturdays, Sumo will be your kayak guide for the morning Marineland Tour, on which he will be giving a detailed talk geared towards a specific topic relevant to the beautiful estuary right here in our back yard. The research reserve is teeming with wildlife in all forms, making it a unique and incredible ecosystem. Pick your favorite topic and reserve your spot soon, as there are limited seats available for each tour.

Here are the dates and topics for the series:

Saturday, Sept. 7th 9:00AM –

Mangroves! Identification, Interaction and Importance. Become an expert in our native Mangrove trees and learn about their importance in our local ecosystem.

Saturday, Oct. 5th 9:00AM –

Oysters! Biology, Ecology and Economy. Learn about the fascinating creature and its special protective status in the GTM; Ins and Outs of oyster biology, and the significance of our impacts on the safety of oyster consumption.

Saturday, Nov. 2nd 9:00AM –

Birds, Birds, Birds! Naturalist Ornithology. Visit the GTM year-round for the most awesome avian attraction in St. Augustine. A natural rest-stop for hundreds of species in the Americas. Learn about birds and their fascinating behavior. Be sure to bring your binoculars!

Saturday, Dec. 14th 10:00AM –

Time Machine! Geologic history, Timucuan history, and Modern history. Learn about the nation’s oldest city and the hidden gem that is the Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve, part of the GTM NERR. Take a kayak trip through time and visit the century old Lodge at Princess Place Preserve. Learn about the rich history of the local area and immerse yourself in Old Florida.

Our Professional Naturalist Guides are very knowledgeable of the wildlife that thrives in our estuary. Our Kayak Ecotours are designed to introduce both local residents and visitors from all over the world to this amazing ecosystem and to increase public awareness and encourage environmental education, sustainability and respect for these natural areas. The Saturday Naturalist Series is an opportunity to focus on a particular subject that may be of interest, however, please feel free to ask any of our guides for more information on these topics while on any of our Guided Kayak Ecotours.